After scoring a penalty that ultimately secured victory for Barcelona against Celta Vigo, Lamine Yamal felt a twinge in his hamstrings and asked to be substituted. The diagnosis is clear: the Spain international will not play for Barça in the six remaining matches of the EA Sports La Liga season.

The approximate recovery time for this type of injury is between four and six weeks, meaning Lamine Yamal should be fit to play by early June. As a result, Barcelona will have to play the final six league matches without their best attacking player, so it is possible that the team’s overall performance will be affected.

Despite this, Hansi Flick’s side have a nine-point lead over Real Madrid, which should be enough to secure their second consecutive EA Sports La Liga title. Barça have proven to be the most consistent team in the league, so barring a disaster in the remaining month of the season, they will add another title to their trophy cabinet.

EA Sports La Liga table after matchday 32

1. Barcelona 82 points
2. Real Madrid 73 points
3. Villarreal 62 points
4. Atlético de Madrid 57 points

He’ll be fit for the World Cup

One of the people most concerned when Lamine Yamal asked to be substituted was Luis de La Fuente. The Spain manager feared the young talent might miss the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States. Had his tendon been affected, he would have been out for months, but fortunately for the player, that wasn’t the case and he’ll be able to feature at this summer’s World Cup.

Lamine Yamal has already begun his recovery and hopes to be 100% fit by early June. The ideal scenario for him is to play a few minutes in the friendlies leading up to the World Cup. The positive aspect of the new format is that the group stage is not so demanding, so he will be able to build up minutes and match fitness to be at his best when the knockout stages arrive – the moment of truth.

The only fly in the ointment for the Spanish international at the end of this season is that he won’t be able to win the EA Sports La Liga on the pitch. There is a chance that Barcelona could be crowned champions against Real Madrid at the Camp Nou, and even that the Whites might have to form a guard of honour if the title is secured beforehand. These are moments every footballer wants to experience on the pitch.

Barcelona’s fixtures until the end of the EA Sports La Liga season

• Getafe - Barcelona
• Osasuna - Barcelona
• Barcelona - Real Madrid
• Alavés - Barcelona
• Barcelona - Betis
• Valencia - Barcelona